Math 120: Writing-In-Major assignment information

The WIM Assignment is to write an exposition of the classification theoreom for finite abelian groups. You can find a statement of a more general theorem in 5.2 and a proof in 6.1. Your target audience is someone at a similar stage in a similar class.

(You can also choose another topic; if you want to do this, run it by me first, or talk to me for suggestions.)

You can find many guides to how to write good mathematics. Here's a nice comment of Jean-Pierre Serre: you should aim for precision blended with informality. What this means is that you need to both informally communicate the main ideas and give complete proofs. More practically:

1. Introduction:Start by describing the theorem, why you think it is interesting, and what the main ideas are in the proof. You should do this with a minimal of technical jargon. Choose very carefully what to include and what not to include: if the reader stopped reading at this point, would they have understood the essential points? Conclude with a precise statement of the Theorem.
2. In the body of the text, give the proof. It should be as self-contained as possible, so as to be accessible to (e.g.) someone at a similar stage in a similar class, but not necessarily using exactly the same text. Thus "by a theorem from class" is not a useful way of describing a result; state the result precisely, and give a reference.
3. Conclude by summarizing some important points and (if possible) explaining some directions from this result.

I'm very happy to discuss anything related to this. I am also happy to look at your drafts and give some comments. Don't hesitate to email me with questions or drafts; I will send back some quick comments.